Domestic violence victims will soon have additional time to take safety measures as orders of protection will be extended from one year to two years. House Bill 2604, which took effect Sept. 24, doubles the duration of an Order of Protection.
Protective Orders can also be obtained by visiting any justice of the peace or city court.
Those wanting to start the process online can utilize the Arizona Protective Order Initiation and Notification Tool by visiting https://AZPoint.azcourts.gov. The website will guide the person to fill out the forms needed. The forms are available at no cost to the public. Once the forms are complete, the person would be required to file their petition at an Arizona court and have a hearing.
In Maricopa County, people wanting to start the process of a Protective Order in person will need to locate a court to file the protective order, according to Maricopa County Court Administration Supervisor Lorri Behunin. “
There are three different types of Protective Orders, including Injunction Against Harassment, Order of Protection and Injunction Against Workplace Harassment. A person’s relationship with the other party will determine which protective order to file. The only protective order with a fee is the Petition for Injunction Against Workplace Harassment, which is $301.
Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to talk to a victim advocate before filing their petitions.